2015 GMC Canyon: GM unveils new midsize pickup in Detroit

Canyon – available this fall – is undoubtedly a GMC vehicle. It features a prominent three-bar grille that’s a mixture between the Sierra full-size and heavy-duty pickups; signature C-shaped LED daytime running lamps; projector beam headlamps; rear bumper corner steps; and muscular hood lines.Watch video

DETROIT, MI- In a Detroit building known for grit and toughness, General Motors Co. Sunday night unveiled the 2015 GMC Canyon.

The all-new midsize pickup, which GM said will "refine" the segment, took the stage of the Russell Industrial Center to flashing lights, theatrical music and heavy expectations.

"The 2015 GMC Canyon redefines the midsize truck segment with its style, refinement and capability," said GM CEO-elect Mary Barra during the unveiling. "It is pure GMC."

Canyon – available this fall – is undoubtedly a GMC vehicle. It features a prominent three-bar grille that’s a mixture between the Sierra full-size and heavy-duty pickups; signature C-shaped LED daytime running lamps; projector beam headlamps; rear bumper corner steps; and muscular hood lines.

It will be offered in base, SLE and SLT models, in 2WD and 4WD models, and with a more aggressively styled All-Terrain package offered on SLE models. It includes 17-inch painted aluminum wheels covered by all-terrain tires, a body-color grille surround with horizontal chrome bars and specific suspension tuning. GM said body configurations include an extended cab model with a six-foot bed, a crew cab with a five-foot bed and a crew cab with a six-foot bed.

Canyon will share the same engine options as the Chevrolet Colorado. At launch, they will include a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder estimated at 193 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque and a 3.6-liter V6 estimated at 302 horsepower (224 kW) and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

Both engines feature direct injection and variable valve timing to make the most of power and efficiency. An aluminum block, forged-steel crankshaft, dual-overhead camshafts and jet-spray piston cooling are also featured on both engines.

For the 2016 model year, GM will also offer an all-new Duramax 2.8-liter turbodiesel.

GM said it expects the Canyon to be segment-leading in fuel-efficiency, horsepower and payload, among other refinement and performance specifications.

GM did not release pricing or fuel economy for the pickup, which will be assembled at GM’s Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant.

Canyon will make its public debut during the 2014 North American International Auto Show.

The Detroit auto show will be open to the public from Jan. 18-26 at Cobo Center, One Washington Blvd., following Press Preview Jan. 13-14; Industry Preview Jan. 15-16; and the Charity Preview featuring musician Sheryl Crow on Jan. 17.